Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, PA (2024 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $17,361
- 25-Year Savings: $13,320
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
We go over average solar pricing in Jefferson.
In Jefferson, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Jefferson, the average price of going solar will be about $17,361 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Jefferson see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,084 |
| 3 years | $-13,531 |
| 5 years | $-10,979 |
| 7 years | $-8,426 |
| 9 years | $-5,873 |
| 11 years | $-3,320 |
| 13 years | $-767 |
| 15 years | $1,785 |
| 17 years | $4,338 |
| 19 years | $6,891 |
| 21 years | $9,444 |
| 23 years | $11,997 |
| 25 years | $14,549 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Jefferson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jefferson to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Jefferson homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Jefferson, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,643 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,255 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,065 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,075 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,283 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,690 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,296 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,101 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Jefferson, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jefferson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Jefferson is currently $252,059, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,334 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Jefferson is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Jefferson?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.